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On The TrackHad a trackday, a good or bad day at the track? Want to get started racing? Just like racing? Cmon insde and post questions, results or comments.
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First track/race bike
So as I'm pondering my possible move back to the mainland I've begun to look around for a good track/race bike to start out on. I've never done a track day before. Track here closed before I could
I've looked on several sites and see some good deals on bike (at least i think they're good deals).
Anyways, I know the saying goes start small on the street but how well does that hold up on a track? Should I stick with the same mentality and start on a 600 or less track prepped bike? Or finding a decent price 750 or 1000 be okay?
This bike will be a track/race bike only.
Philbie, Mike looking for your inputs on this.
And Clay if you're reading this yes i'll still be looking at skittles
I've heard many good things about a SV650 for a good track/race bike. Uses a 160 rear, so tires are a bit cheaper as well. I'm not sure if you browse the WERA boards, but there are always 650s being sold for at or below your budget.
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Sportbike: 2000 blue R1 (the street girl), 2003 Zx636r (the red race bitch)
either SV or a straight 600. I ran my first season on my R1, man, Rascus, it was NOT easy. Plus the tires last a bit longer on a 6 than a 1k. not to mention the bike is usually cheaper as well even with all the goodies. The 600's are a lot easier on the mentality b/c of this:
The R6: slaps you on the wrist "now, now, you know better than to do that", "oh, ok, I"ll let you do it again"
the R1: slaps you in the face as she is throwing you down the track "now, look you stupid bitch, I TOLD you last corner not to pull that shit"
just my .02
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CCS AM #567 Great Plains region.
some questions are best left un-asked...
Korisa...RIP, I'll miss you my friend. Always.
"Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin."-KH
I'm pretty happy with my f4i as a race bike so far .. I'm no where near using up its full potential, so I'm fine with it for the time being.
I actually want to find a 125gp bike to learn on. A smaller bike will teach you more in a shorter time from what I've heard.
+1, I'm trying to find an Aprilia RS125 for racing. Many of the greats started out on 125's (Rossi, Biaggi). They teach you how to really keep up your speed in the corners because they are slow in the straights (compared to a 600ss, 750ss, etc.)
+1, I'm trying to find an Aprilia RS125 for racing. Many of the greats started out on 125's (Rossi, Biaggi). They teach you how to really keep up your speed in the corners because they are slow in the straights (compared to a 600ss, 750ss, etc.)
Sounds like a move ^ to Europe will be necessary.
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Mike - a life lived on two wheels.
'07 Suzuki GSX-R 750
'96 Honda CR80 Mini Road racer
'04 Honda CRF250R
If the right wrist writes a check your rear tire can't cash say, halfway around some off-camber left- the previously obedient 998cc ego-enhancement pod will express it's aggravation by punting your butt out of the seat in the sort of almost highside that would give even Christian Sarrom heart palpitations. And that's if you're lucky.
I'd be lying if I said I haven't considered it...I'm going to study abroad somewhere in Europe the year after next...I'm actually from Italy so thats my first choice. I'll send you guys euro bikes when i get there
I've looked around in the classifieds and don't see many SV's for sale as track/race bikes.
Alot of gsxr's, f4i's and such.
That's probably because they are in such high demand, they really are a pretty good bike.
As was said before, having excessive power can (and will) kick you square in the 'package', probably sometime soon after you get throttle happy. In my opinion the less power you have the more you can concentrate on your cornering lines and speed, once you have those techniques down adding power to the equation is easier.
Major considerations for any track bike are good track tire selection and availability for that bike (in proper sizes for the wheels on the bike - not "they will work" sizes), commonality of the bike = spare parts availability, aftermarket parts availability, and the suspensions adjustability / ability to be modified / and aftermarket suspension availability as well. Having a bike that has compression and rebound damping adjusters on the suspension is a definate plus, even if you didn't modify the suspension this gives you SOME control over how the bike will act. SV's don't have a very advanced suspension, but they do have some options available in changing their handling characteristics, there are racers who make them go incredibly fast! An SV650 is still a great starter track bike and can be continued to be raced as an Expert as well with excellent results!
So many choices, so many views on what is right and wrong about this subject. Starting with less Hp will benefit you in the long run, starting with more Hp will make your journey to becoming fast harder and much more difficult - but it can definately be done!
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What you just read is my opinion and is based on my experiences and the info I have acquired during my life, it's my interpretation and isn't written in stone. Yes, I post long responses regularly because I like to fully explain my views. Don't like it or agree with what I have to say? Then don't read it or respond to it! Respond like an immature idiot to posts of mine and I will just ignore you. Have a nice day.
First track/race bike
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